Britain to Announce Measures for Enforcing Passfield Plan; Agency, National Council Meet

October 23, 1930

Jerusalem (Oct. 22)

Announcement of measures definitely restricting or entirely suspending immigration to Palestine as well as prohibiting land sales will probably be made tomorrow in order to give effect to the policy laid down in the British government’s White Paper, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency learns.

A fully attended meeting of the Executive of the Jewish Agency and of the Jewish National Council last night which was presided over by Pinchas Rutenberg, chairman of the Council, debated over the White Paper until the early hours of the morning. While it was decided to take no action until the full text was available the unanimous sentiment of the meeting was to repudiate the entire statement.

As regards the proposal for a legislative council opinion is divided with a substantial number favoring non-participation. Last night’s meeting, which adjourned early this morning, will be reconvened at noon today after the members of the executive of the Jewish Agency have met. The directors of the Jewish National Fund will also meet today to formulate a reply to Sir John Simpson’s criticisms of the Fund’s methods of leasing and purchasing land.

Reports from all parts of the country indicate the tremendous excitement and resentment that the government’s statement has aroused in Jewish quarters. All sorts of bitter words are heard and public demonstrations and mass meetings are being considered. The government itself is anxiously watching the reaction to the White Paper and is taking special precautions to prevent any incidents.

Plainclothes detectives are quietly patrolling the Jewish cafes in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv where heated impromptu discussions have been going on since the statement of policy and the Simpson report were published. The police patrols in the Jewish quarters of all towns and cities have been noticeably strengthened.